The sun was beginning to set over Yokohama, casting a warm, golden glow over Hiroshi's home. The bandits had spent the last week recovering from their battle with the gang leaders and preparing for their journey back to Tokyo. The time had come for them to say their goodbyes.
Mousa stood with Hiroshi in the front yard, the two old friends sharing a quiet moment. The air was filled with the sounds of the bustling city, but for them, it felt like time had slowed down.
"You've done so much for me, Mousa," Hiroshi said, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't know how I can ever repay you. You saved my daughter, my workers... my life. I'm in your debt."
Mousa smiled, a warm, genuine expression that rarely crossed his face. "How many times should I repeat this, Hiroshi? There's no debt between friends, you've helped me out more times than I can count. We look out for each other. That's what friends do."
Hiroshi nodded, his eyes glistening. "I just wish things could have been different. Maybe if I had been stronger, none of this would have happened."
Mousa placed a firm hand on Hiroshi's shoulder. "Hey, Don't blame yourself. The world's a tough place, and we all do what we can to survive. You've done more than most would in your position."
The two men shared a long look, understanding passing between them. Then Hiroshi pulled Mousa into a tight embrace. "Thank you, my friend. Thanks for everything."
------------
Nearby, Shota was interacting with the workers who had been held hostage. Despite his inability to speak, his hands moved gracefully as he communicated with them through sign language. The workers smiled warmly, expressing their gratitude through gestures and kind smiles. Shota, always the quiet one, found a unique way to connect, his silence never a barrier to understanding.
One of the workers signed, "Thank you for saving us, Shota. We owe you our lives."
Shota simply smiled, a soft, contented expression, and signed back, telling them that he was just glad that they were safe.
---------------
A little distance away, Toma and Maya were caught up in their usual banter. Maya, her eyes sparkling with mischief, leaned against the doorframe as Toma packed up his gear.
"So, Toma," Maya began, her tone teasing, "are you going to miss me when you're back in Tokyo? I mean, who else is going to keep you on your toes?"
Toma smirked, not missing a beat. "Miss you? I think I'll finally get some peace and quiet without you around, Maya. But then again, I'm sure the city will feel a bit dull without your annoying voice."
Maya laughed, a light, melodic sound. "You know, Toma, you're really cool... But I have to say, you're a bit young for me."
Toma's expression immediately shifted to one of outrage. "Young? What do you mean, young? I'm plenty mature! And what's that supposed to mean, anyway?"
Maya couldn't help but laugh harder at Toma's reaction. "I'm just saying, Toma. You're a bit short to be taken seriously."
Toma's face reddened, and he crossed his arms over his chest in frustration. "WHAT!?It's not about height! I'm still growing, you know! Just you wait, Maya. I'll come back taller and you'll have to look up at me!"
Maya winked at him playfully. "I'll be looking forward to it, shorty."
Toma couldn't take it anymore. "You bitch!" Toma got up and was about to jump her but before he could, Mousa intervened.
Mousa easily picked Toma and put him above his shoulder.
"Hey old man! Put me down, I'm gonna teach this woman a lesson"
"How about no. I've enough banter for today, and I'm really missing Miss Akane's ramen soup, So let's head out of here already." Mousa said as he carried Toma out of the room, curses could be heard outside the room but it only made Maya laugh more at how easily Toma could get triggered.
------
Back in the bedroom, Kazuya was doing multiple tries of control his powers to a full extent, but every time he tried, he would get no result.
'Why isn't it working!?' Kazuya thought as he tried to activate his powers but wasn't successful.
Jun then came into room.
Kazuya was flustered at the sight of Jun. "Hey! You should knock before coming in someone's room you know...."
But Jun scoffed. "Oh, Who cares, Are you afraid of me seeing you naked?"
Kazuya was flustered as he was taken aback by Jun's boldness. "W-what!? T-that's not it!!!"
Jun chuckled. "Look at you! Your face is red! Ha! You're so adorable."
Kazuya looked away as he was embarrassed. "Stop teasing me!"
Jun then went to sit next to Kazuya. "So any progress?"
Kazuya expressions turned sour. "I can't activate my ability willingly. I don't knwo why it's so hard!" Kazuya said with frustration.
Jun quickly reassured Kazuya. "Hey, just calm down stud, things like that take time. I know I'm not an Outcast but I know that someone who recently just learned about their ability will have to take their time to learn about the ability."
Jun continued. "Take your time, Kazuya. Nobody is rushing you, it seems your powers only activate subconsciously on certain accusations. So the thing you need to do is keep on training.
Kazuya listened to Jun with a sense of understanding. He knew what she said was right but he still felt down. Even though, he needed to be strong. If he wanted to stop chaos and make things right then heel will keep training so he could do so.
Kazuya then looked at Jun and smiled softly. "Thank you, Jun. I'll continue my training."
Jun's gaze lingered at Kazuya's smile for while before speaking up. "Oi, Kazuya.... You're so cute..."
Kazuya blushed as he heard those words. For some reason his heart started to beat rapidly as he glanced at Jun.
Kazuya quickly looked away, "Th-thanks" Kazuya said nervously avoiding Jun's gaze.
Jun just chuckled at Kazuya's reaction."Well then, enough chit-chat. We're going to be leaving soon. So let's head downstairs."
"Okay..." Kazuya replied.
With that they headed down stairs.
-------
As the time to leave arrived, the group gathered together one last time as Hiroshi stood before them, his daughter Maya by his side, along with the workers who had been saved. There was a sense of finality in the air, but also one of gratitude and friendship.
"Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart," Hiroshi said, his voice filled with sincerity. "You've given me back my family, my friends... my life. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Mousa nodded, "We're glad we could help, Hiroshi. Take care of yourself, and take care of Maya."
Maya, who was still smiling, called out to Toma as the bandits turned to leave.
"Hey, Toma!"
Toma turned around just in time to see Maya blow him a kiss. His eyes widened, and for a moment, he was completely speechless. Behind him, Mousa, Jun, and Shota burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying Toma's reaction.
"What's the matter, Toma??? You look so surprised" Jun teased, grinning from ear to ear.
Toma's face flushed a deep shade of pink, and he quickly turned away, trying to play it cool. "Oh shut up, that bullshit doesn't bother me at all! So just quit it!"
But the others weren't letting him off the hook so easily. "Sure, Toma," Mousa said, a knowing smirk on his face. "Then it must mean you're just blushing because of the heat, right?"
Toma huffed, trying to keep his cool, but the light blush on his cheeks gave him away. "I said, it don't give a damn!"
The bandits walked towards a vehicle in which Hiroshi lended them for their use sonce they help him out, at first Mousa insisted but Hiroshi wasn't going to take ni for an answer..
They all got on the vehicle and Mousa drove them towards under the evening sunset.